Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body, making up around 30% of total protein content. Collagen is a triple helix built from amino acid chains, which forms strong fibers and provides the body with structure. It ensures the integrity, elasticity and strength of our body’s connective tissues, therefore maintaining the form and function of our skin, cartilage and bones. You can think of it as the “glue” that holds our body together. In fact, the word comes from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue.
Collagen helps with several different functions, including improved muscle mass (due to its protein content), increased skin elasticity and strengthened skin in the dermis, and stronger hair and nails and much more. So, we know it’s a protein in our body, but where exactly is collagen found in the body? Read to find out more.
How is Collagen produced in the body?
All collagen starts off as procollagen. Your body makes procollagen by combining two amino acids — glycine and proline. This process uses Vitamin C. Collagen is formed through chains of amino acids. These amino acids act as building blocks in the body. There are nine essential amino acids that our body needs to thrive. A key thing to note is that essential amino acids cannot be produced by the human body. This means the essential ones must be obtained through your diet and amino acid supplements. Combined with vitamin C, amino acids form Collagen in our cells. Collagen supplements have been proven to be effective in not only providing more Collagen to your body but also increasing the natural production of Collagen within your body.
Where is Collagen found in the human body?
Collagen is an insoluble and fibrous protein. This means its molecules are packed together in order to form fibrils. It plays an important role in each of the body parts in which it is found. Here’s where Collagen can be found within your body :-
Skin:- About 80% of our skin’s protein is made up of Collagen. However, as we grow older, can help to transform your skin. Since healthy skin begins on the inside, collagen supplements help to heal internal issues that reflect in external issues. Collagen and elastin are the essential components of glowing, plump skin. When these start to decrease, you begin to see wrinkles and fine lines, as well as sagging. Increasing your collagen intake can help to remedy these issues. Collagen has also been known to help heal your gut lining. Many skin issues are a result of having an unhealthy gut.
Hair:- Collagen is present in your scalp too. Your scalp is key to maintaining the health of your hair, which is why Collagen supplements are integral for hair strength and growth.
Nails:- Collagen is one of the major proteins found in nail beds. It supports the nail infrastructure, and when your body needs more of it, your nails will be brittle and break easily. One of the major nail benefits of collagen peptides is the amino acid arginine, which carries nitric oxide through the capillaries and into the nail bed. In short, collagen helps to feed the nail bed, helping to promote its health and growth.
Connective tissues / tendons:- Collagen provides our connective tissues and tendons tensile strength. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the end of bones in joints. Over time, cartilage wear off due to ageing and repeated movement. As a result, tendons and ligaments stretch, and bones rub against each other, causing pain. Collagen provides support for the growth and repair of cartilage tissue, as well as relieve joint inflammation and pain.
Bones:- Hydroxyproline is an amino acid found in collagen, which is useful for bone turnover. Collagen plays an important role when it comes to your bones. Collagen has been shown to strengthen bone tissue. Having Collagen supplements can help protect your bones from deteriorating and causing osteoporosis or osteoarthritis which is prevalent in menopausal women. Collagen can also help heal bone fractures at a faster pace.
Muscles:- Collagen is also a major part of your muscle tissue. So if you’re looking to build lean muscle mass, collagen supplements might help. Collagen also has glycine in it, which is an amino acid that’s in creatine. Creatine is known to give you an extra boost to get through tough workouts, such as high-intensity interval training. The result? More efficient workouts and more muscle mass.
Joints:- Boost collagen intake for your body, so you can sustain an active lifestyle and achieve your fitness goals. Taking a supplement can also help to boost your natural collagen production and alleviate symptoms caused by the depletion of collagen. When it comes to choosing a supplement, look for one that contains collagen as a key active ingredient or glucosamine to support joint comfort, flexibility and mobility. This is especially beneficial if you experience joint discomfort and pain, are a sports enthusiast, or suffer from arthritis. Research shows that increasing your collagen consumption can improve osteoarthritis symptoms, reducing overall joint pain.
Gut:- Collagen is present in our gut lining. It can also play an important role in building and maintaining healthy connective tissue throughout your digestive tract. Maintaining a strong digestive tract and stomach lining is extremely important for the prevention of a condition known as “leaky gut.” Leaky gut happens when there are damages in the barrier lining of your intestine. This condition may allow food and waste particles to pass into the bloodstream, causing an inflammation. Leaky gut can cause bloating, gas, stomach cramps, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as well as sensitivity to foods that are wheat-based, high in sugar and contain gluten
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